Growing persecution of Christians by radical islamist in North Syria

Christians in the regions of north Syria, controlled by insurgents, are faced with growing persecution by radical islamists, reported Melkite (Greek Catholic) Archbishop Jean-Abdo Arbach of Homs.

"The Muslim rule must be applied, while all the Christian symbols displayed publicly must be destroyed," said the archbishop in his interview with the "Aid to Church in Need" aid organization, commenting on the islamists' agenda.

"In addition to this, the Christians who wish to stay will be forced to pay a tax in the future".

But in other places of Syria the situation with Christians is gradually improving. Thus, many Christians have returned to Homs, the third largest city of the country.

"The government troops have established nearly full control of this region and the insurgents are ruling over only four districts," the CWN agency cites the archbishop's words.